Deeper Than Dough

• 119: EP 119: Deeper Than Dough - Eric Howe

  What does it take to turn a military background into a thriving international franchise and help over 100 people build wealth along the way? In this episode, I sit down with Eric, founder of Optic-Kleer, one of the fastest-growing windshield replacement franchises in the world. From his roots in the UK Air Force to leading a franchise empire that spans both the UK and the US, Eric’s journey is all about impact, innovation, and helping others win. We unpack how Optic-Kleer capitalized on ADAS technology, how the brand empowers franchisees to earn from day one, and why support and systems beat solo hustling every time. If you’re exploring franchise ownership or looking for your next business move, this one’s packed with gems. We talk about: 🔥 How Eric built a franchise model that scales fast and supports deep 🔥 Why ADAS is a game changer for profit margins in the auto industry 🔥 How franchisees are earning $220K+ with a mobile-first model 🔥 The kind of people who thrive as Optic-Kleer owners 🔥 Why Eric finds his purpose in helping others build their business Whether you're dreaming about franchising, growing your portfolio, or searching for a business with real infrastructure and heart, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Connect with Eric Howe Website: www.Optic-Kleer.com Connect with Bennett Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/ Subscribe to Deeper Than Dough Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37 Don’t forget to like and subscribe so you never miss a weekly episode!

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• 118: EP 118: Deeper Than Dough - Christian Brindle

  What does it take to build five companies, buy your dad’s business for his retirement, and still make it home for dinner? In this episode, I sit down with Christian Brindle, an entrepreneur who started in the insurance game at 21 and now runs a multi-business operation that spans Medicare, consulting, lead gen, and agent training. Christian’s story is part family legacy, part business blueprint. He’s built real infrastructure that allows him to grow and unplug, something most founders talk about but rarely pull off. We dive into how he did it, and what it takes to build something that doesn’t burn you out. We talk about: 🔥 How Christian scaled from a one-man shop to an insurance empire 🔥 Why infrastructure, not hustle is the key to sustainable growth 🔥 How AI is reshaping the insurance and consulting space 🔥 What he learned buying out his dad’s agency and helping him retire 🔥 Why time blocking and boundaries matter more than ever This episode is for anyone building a business while trying to protect their peace. Whether you're deep in entrepreneurship, running a family business, or trying to figure out how to grow without losing yourself, this one’s worth the listen. Connect with Christian Brindle Facebook: facebook.com/christian.brindle.1 Instagram: @christianbrindle Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/christian-brindle-a4411ab4/ Youtube: youtube.com/@christianbrindle/ Twitter: x.com/CBrindle0 Connect with Bennett Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/ Subscribe to Deeper Than Dough Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37 Don’t forget to like and subscribe so you never miss a weekly episode!

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• 117: Deeper Than Dough - Brad Davis

  In this episode of Deeper Than Dough, Bennett Maxwell sits down with Brad Davis, the founder of Roxberry, a thriving smoothie and acai bowl franchise that has quickly become a go-to for health-conscious consumers. With over 20 locations and plans for expansion, Roxberry offers a unique perspective on building a successful business from the ground up. Brad shares his journey from co-founding Zuka Juice and selling it to Jamba, to launching Roxberry in 2008, and how the brand has grown over the years. He dives into the challenges of finding the right location, building a simple yet scalable business model, and navigating the ups and downs of franchising. We also discuss the importance of quality ingredients, the rise of health-conscious eating, and how Roxberry’s commitment to innovation keeps the brand ahead of the competition. Whether you’re a potential franchisee or an entrepreneur looking to grow your business, Brad’s insights offer invaluable lessons. He reveals how he’s helped franchisees achieve success with the right systems, mindset, and approach to community building. Connect with Brad Davis Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/braddavis3 Connect with Bennett Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/ Subscribe to Deeper Than Dough Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37 🎧 Don't forget to like and subscribe for more interviews with entrepreneurs, franchisees, and business leaders.

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• 116: EP 116: Deeper Than Dough - Neal Courtney

  What does it take to build a business that actually makes kids excited to get a haircut? And more importantly, why does that matter if you're in franchising? In this episode, I sit down with Neal Courtney, CEO of Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids, and a guy who’s spent 25 years navigating the franchise world from the ground up. Neal went from franchisee to CEO, and now leads a national brand built on making haircut day stress-free, fun, and believe it or not, something families actually look forward to. We talk about: 🔥 How Cookie Cutters became a needs-based business that’s stood the test of time 🔥 What really makes a franchise location successful (hint: it’s not just the product) 🔥 The biggest staffing challenges post-COVID—and how franchisees can prepare 🔥 The kind of marketing support franchisees actually get 🔥 And the one non-negotiable trait Neal looks for in a franchise partner This episode is packed with real talk around what it takes to run a business that’s both profitable and meaningful. If you're exploring franchising, service-based businesses, or just want to build something that gives back, this one's worth the listen. Connect with Bennett Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126 Subscribe to Deeper Than Dough Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37 🎧 Don’t forget to like and subscribe so you never miss a weekly episode!

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• 115: EP 115: Deeper Than Dough - Zach Tanner / Painter Bros

  What does it take to turn a side hustle into a national brand—and then disrupt an entire industry? In this episode, Bennett sits down with Zach Tanner, founder of Painter Bros and FM Flow. At just 19, Zach launched a small painting business that he grew into a 50-unit national franchise, landing contracts with Walmart, Home Depot, and other Fortune 500 companies. But Zach didn’t stop at franchising. He saw firsthand what the service industry was missing—and built FM Flow, a SaaS platform now transforming how service pros manage leads, operations, and profit. In this conversation, they cover: The real story behind scaling Painter Bros from a single location to $8.4 million in annual revenue. How Zach secured national accounts and why most franchises never get there. The hardest mindset shift franchisees face (and how the best overcome it). Why gross profit numbers can be deceiving—and what franchisees should really focus on. How FM Flow is helping small service businesses earn more and operate smarter. The #1 trait Zach looks for in franchise partners—and who shouldn’t buy a franchise. Whether you're considering franchising, scaling a business, or building tech in a traditional industry, this episode delivers rare insights from someone who’s done all three. Connect with Zach: www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tanner-32322a161/ Connect with Bennett: Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126 Subscribe to Deeper Than Dough Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37 If you like or learned from this video, please remember to like & subscribe!

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